The Dodgers already beat Sanchez at Dodger Stadium — and really, any team that can hand Tim Lincecum a loss followed by a no-decision should be capable of taking this series.

Andre Ethier is beginning to heat up, and we know Matt Kemp will continue playing like he's in his walk year (which he isn't; he becomes a free agent in 2013). The pitch Kemp formerly couldn't resist, the slider down and away, is currently bedeviling James Loney, who figures to see (and swing at) plenty of them from the lefty Sanchez.

Also, Casey Blake is scheduled to start tonight, which should get Aaron Miles out of the lineup. Already the Beard's contributing!

It's been hard to figure out this 2011 Dodgers squad. For every two games they grind out, they go belly-up for one. There has been some true meeting of potential, and then some truly uninspired play from some uninspiring signings. A victory tonight would help tilt the balance toward the hope that this team can compete.